School ‘star rating’ appeals increase sharply

Nearly 160 Idaho schools are appealing their state “star ratings” — a crucial report card that determines whether a school needs to file a plan for improving student growth and student achievement, and whether a school is struggling and needs help from the state.

The number of appeals is up considerably from previous years.

The one- to five-star ratings are Idaho’s yardstick for measuring traditional and charter schools, with the results made public annually. The next round of ratings will likely be released in early August, state Department of Education spokeswoman Melissa McGrath said Tuesday.